Jewelry for holding rings

ABSTRACT

A jewelry piece includes a first strand having a first end releasably fixable to a second end thereof. A second strand has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second strand is fixed to the first strand and the second end of the second strand is releasably fixable to the first strand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/234,797 filed on Sep. 30, 2015 hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to jewelry, and more particularly to a dual-stranded necklace for securing finger rings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rings worn on fingers are a popular form of jewelry. As commonly known, rings may be worn for many reasons such as to symbolize an engagement or marriage, for fashion, to represent a championship, and to commemorate a graduation, for example. However, in certain scenarios, it may be required or desired to remove the rings from the fingers of a person wearing the rings. For example, certain occupations (surgeons, healthcare practitioners, factory workers, chefs) or medical conditions may require or necessitate removal of rings.

In these scenarios, the person may still desire to display the rings in an alternative manner or, for convenience or preference, keep the rings secured near or on their person such as on a necklace. Such necklaces include pendants, hooks, or chambers for attaching the rings thereto or therein. However, where urgent and repetitive removal of the rings is required, such necklaces may be undesirable due to a complexity of use or a lack of durability. Of particular concern, the rings may easily fall off or become lost if the necklace is broken or otherwise removed. Additionally, the pendant, hook, or chambers used for some necklaces can easily become displaced from the necklace thereby displacing the rings from the necklace. Furthermore, necklaces known for holding rings may not meet certain sanitary or health requirements or may hide or display the rings in an aesthetically displeasing manner.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a dual-stranded necklace for displaying rings in an aesthetically pleasing manner that is durable, simple to use, and hygienic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance and attuned with the present invention, a dual-stranded necklace for displaying rings in an aesthetically pleasing manner that is durable, simple to use, and hygienic has surprisingly been discovered.

According to first embodiment of the disclosure, a jewelry piece includes a first strand having a first end releasably fixable to a second end thereof. A second strand has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second strand is fixed to the first strand and the second end of the second strand is releasably fixable to the first strand.

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a jewelry piece assembly is disclosed. The jewelry piece assembly includes a first strand having a first end and a second end. A second strand has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second strand is fixed to the first strand and the second end of the second strand is releasably fixable to the first strand. A ring is received on one of the first strand and the second strand.

In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a method of retaining rings to a person is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a jewelry piece. The jewelry piece includes a first strand having a first end and a second end. The jewelry piece includes a second strand having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second strand fixed to the first strand and the second end of the second strand releasably fixable to the first strand. The method includes the steps of inserting a ring onto one of the first strand and the second strand and fixing the second end of the second strand to the first strand to retain the ring on the one of the first strand and the second strand. The method additionally includes the steps of positioning the jewelry piece on the person and releasably fixing the first end of the first strand to the second end of the first strand to maintain the jewelry piece on the person.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention in the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a jewelry piece for securing rings thereto according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the jewelry piece is wound and connected;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partially disassembled top perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1, wherein the jewelry piece is unwound and disconnected;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the jewelry piece of FIG. 1, wherein the jewelry piece is wound and disconnected;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a jewelry piece for securing rings thereto according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the jewelry piece is unwound and disconnected;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a jewelry piece securing rings thereto according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the jewelry piece is unwound and disconnected; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a jewelry piece securing rings thereto according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the jewelry piece is unwound and disconnected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.

FIGS. 1-4 show a jewelry piece 10 for securing rings 100 for fingers thereto (not shown). The jewelry piece 10 includes a first strand 12 and a second strand 14. A length of the first strand 12 is substantially equal to a length of the second strand 14. Each of the stands 12, 14 may be formed from a durable, water resistant or waterproof, easy-to-clean and/or flexible material, such as gold, leather, a plastic, or the like, for example.

A first end 16 of the first strand 12 is securely and removably fixed to a first end 20 of the second strand 14 to militate against detachment of the first strand 12 from the second strand 14. A second end 18 of the first strand 12 is separate from a second end 22 of the second strand 14. The second ends 18, 22 are each releasably and independently fixable to the fixed first ends 16, 20. A fastening system 24 releasably fixes the second ends 18, 22 to the fixed first ends 16, 20. The fastening system 24 includes a receiving portion 26 coupled to the fixed first ends 16, 20 and an engagement portion 28 coupled to each of the second ends 18, 22.

The fastening system 24 can be any fastening system 24 as desired. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the receiving portion 26 is a ring and the engagement portions 28 are clasps of the lobster claw type. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the engagement portions 28 are braces and the receiving portion 26 is a receptacle including detents or the like for receiving the engagement portions 28. However, it is understood other fastening systems such as box clasps, safety clasps, hook systems, toggles, magnetic clasps, barrel clasps, buckles, or any other fastening system now known or later developed can be employed as desired.

The first ends 16, 20 can be fixed to each other by any securement means as desired. For example, the first ends 16, 20 can be fixed to each other by an adhesive, a clamp, by soldering means, a tie or thread, or any other acceptable securement means. Additionally, the receiving portion 26 of the fastening system 24 can be employed to fix the first ends 16, 20 to each other either independently from or in addition to the securement means. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the receiving portion 26 configured as a ring fixes the first ends 16, 20 to each other. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the receiving portion 26 configured as a receptacle is employed to couple the first ends 16, 20 to each other. The receptacle includes the detents formed therein for engagement with the second ends 18, 22 of the strands 12, 14, which can include rigid end pieces that cooperate with the detents.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first strand 12 and the second strand 14 are twisted with respect to each other to facilitate durability of the jewelry piece 10 and securement of the rings 100 thereto. The twisted strands 12, 14 cooperate to form a retaining portion 30 for securing the rings 100 on the jewelry piece 10. As illustrated, the retaining portion 30 is centrally positioned with respect to a length of the jewelry piece 10 in a disconnected state. However, the retaining portion 30 may be positioned in an off center position, if desired.

With renewed reference to FIGS. 1-3, the jewelry piece is disconnected. In use, a portion of each of the strands 12, 14 adjacent the fixed first ends 16, 20 is twisted. The rings 100 are then positioned on the second strand 14 at the retaining portion 30 by inserting the second end 22 of the second strand 14 through the rings 100. Although, it is understood the rings 100 can be positioned on the first strand 12, if desired, by inserting the second end 18 of the first strand 12 through the rings 100. The remaining portions of the strands adjacent the second ends 18, 22 of the strands 12, 14 are twisted with each other to maintain the rings 100 at the retaining portion 30. The strands 12, 14 are then positioned around a neck of a user. The engagement portions 28 of each of the second ends 18, 22 of the strands 12, 14 are separately, releasably fixed to the receiving portion 26 to secure the jewelry piece 10 around the neck. The jewelry piece 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 is shown unwound. However, it is understood the jewelry piece 10 of FIG. 4 can be wound similarly to the jewelry piece 10 of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a jewelry piece 10′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Features similar to the jewelry piece 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 are denoted with the same reference numeral and a prime (′) symbol for clarity. The jewelry piece 10′ is substantially similar to the jewelry piece 10 described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-4, except the second strand 14′ has a length less than a length of the first strand 12′. The second end 22′ of the second strand 14′ is releasably fixed to the first strand 12′ by a secondary fastening system 40 at a portion intermediate the first end 16′ of the first strand 12′ and the second end 18′ of the first strand 12′. The portion can be at a substantially center portion or an off-center portion of the first strand 12′. In the embodiment illustrated, the secondary fastening system 40 includes a hook connecting two portions of the first strand 12′ and a lobster claw clasp secured to the second end 22′ of the second strand 14′. The secondary fastening system 40 can be any fastening system as desired such as lobster claw clasps, detent systems, box clasps, safety clasps, hook systems, toggles, magnetic clasps, barrel clasps, buckles, or any other fastening system now known or later developed.

In use, the rings 100 are positioned on the second strand 14′ by inserting the second end 22′ of the second strand 14′ through the rings 100. The secondary fastening system 40 is employed to releasably fix the second end 22′ of the second strand 14′ to the first strand 12′. In the configuration shown, the rings 100 are maintained in a secure position on the jewelry piece 10′. It is understood that the second strand 14′ can be twisted with respect to the first strand 12′, if desired.

FIG. 6 illustrates a jewelry piece 10″ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Features similar to the jewelry piece 10, 10′ illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are denoted with the same reference numeral and a double prime (“) symbol for clarity. The jewelry piece 10” is substantially similar to the jewelry piece 10, 10′ described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-5, except the second strand 14″ has a length less than a length of the first strand 12″ and the first end 20″ of the second strand 14″ is fixed to the first strand 12″ at a first portion thereof. The first portion is positioned at a distance from the first end 16″ of the first strand 12″. In certain embodiments, the second strand 14″ can be substantially equal to ½ the length of the first strand 12″. However, the second strand 14″ can have any length as desired. The first end 20″ of the second strand 14″ is fixed to the first portion by securement means 50. The securement means 50 can be a ring, such as illustrated in FIG. 6, an adhesive, a clamp, soldering means, a tie or thread, or any other securement means.

The second end 22″ of the second strand 14″ is releasably fixed to the first strand 12″ by the secondary fastening system 40″ at a second portion of the first strand 12″ intermediate the first portion of the first strand 12″ and the second end 18″ of the first strand 12″. In certain embodiments, the second portion is positioned at a distance from the second end 22″ of the first strand 12″ equal to the distance between the first end 16″ of the first strand 12″ and the first portion of the first strand 12″.

In use, the rings 100 are positioned on the second strand 14″ by inserting the second end 22″ of the second strand 14″ through the rings 100. The secondary fastening system 40″ is employed to releasably fix the second end 22″ of the second strand 14″ to the first strand 12″. In the configuration shown, the rings 100 are maintained securely in a substantially central portion of the jewelry piece 10″. It is understood that the second strand 14″ can be twisted with respect to the first strand 12″, if desired.

It should be understood, that while a jewelry piece of the necklace variety is shown and described, the jewelry piece 10, 10′, 10″ can be configured for positioning or attachment to other body parts such as wrists, ankles, or waists, or for attachment to belt loops, slots formed in articles of clothes, or the like.

Advantageously, the jewelry piece 10, 10′, 10″ of the present disclosure provides an easy-to-use, durable, hygienic apparatus for securing rings 100 on or near a person in which the rings 100 can be easily displayed, if desired.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A jewelry piece comprising: a first strand having a first end releasably fixable to a second end thereof; and a second strand having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second strand fixed to the first strand and the second end of the second strand releasably fixable to the first strand.
 2. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein a fastening system having a receiving portion and an engaging portion releasably fixes the first end of the first strand to the second end of the first strand.
 3. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein a fastening system having a receiving portion and an engaging portion releasably fixes the second end of the second strand to the first strand.
 4. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein the first end of the second strand is fixed to the first end of the first strand.
 5. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein a length of the first strand is greater than a length of the second strand.
 6. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein a length of the first stand is equal to a length of the second strand.
 7. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein the first end of the second strand is fixed to the first end of the first strand and the second end of the second strand is releasably fixed to a portion of the first strand intermediate the first end of the first strand and the second end of the first strand.
 8. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein the first end of the second strand is fixed to a first portion of the first strand intermediate the first end of the first strand and the second end of the first strand and the second end of the second strand is releasably fixed to a second portion of the first strand intermediate the first portion of the first strand and the second end of the first strand.
 9. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein the first strand is twisted with the second strand.
 10. The jewelry piece of claim 1, wherein the first strand and the second strand are formed from a durable, water-resistant, and flexible material.
 11. A jewelry piece assembly comprising: a first strand having a first end and a second end; a second strand having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second strand fixed to the first strand and the second end of the second strand releasably fixable to the first strand; and a ring received on one of the first strand and the second strand.
 12. The jewelry piece assembly of claim 11, wherein the second strand is twisted with the first strand to form a retaining portion for securely retaining the ring.
 13. The jewelry piece assembly of claim 11, wherein the first end of the first strand is fixed to the first end of the second strand by a receiving portion of a fastening means.
 14. The jewelry piece assembly of claim 13, wherein the fastening means is one of a clasp system, a hook system, a toggle system, a magnetic clasping system, a barrel clasp system, and a buckle.
 15. The jewelry piece assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the second end of the first strand and the second end of the second strand are independently releasably fixable to the receiving portion.
 16. The jewelry piece assembly of claim 11, wherein the first end of the first strand is fixed to the first end of the second strand and the second end of the second strand is releasably fixable to a portion of the first stand intermediate the first end of the first strand and the second end of the first strand.
 17. The jewelry piece assembly of claim 11, wherein the first end of the second strand is fixed to a first portion of the first strand intermediate the first end of the first strand and the second end of the first strand and the second end of the second strand is releasably fixable to a second portion of the first strand intermediate the first portion of the first stand and the second end of the first strand.
 18. The jewelry piece assembly of claim 17, wherein the second strand is centrally positioned with respect to a length of the first strand.
 19. A method of retaining rings to a person, the method comprising the steps of: providing a jewelry piece including a first strand having a first end and a second end, a second strand having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second strand fixed to the first strand and the second end of the second strand releasably fixable to the first strand; inserting a ring onto one of the first strand and the second strand; fixing the second end of the second strand to the first strand to retain the ring on the one of the first strand and the second strand; positioning the jewelry piece on the person; releasably fixing the first end of the first strand to the second end of the first strand to maintain the jewelry piece on the person.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: twisting a first portion of the first strand adjacent the first end thereof with a first portion of the second strand adjacent the first end thereof before inserting the ring onto one of the first strand and the second strand; and twisting a second portion of the first strand adjacent the second end thereof with a second portion of the second strand adjacent the second end thereof to retain the ring on the one of the first strand and the second strand after inserting the ring onto one of the first strand and the second strand. 